EDD benefits exhausted - how to extend or start new claim in 2025?
Just received the dreaded 'maximum benefits paid' notice on my UI Online account this morning. After 26 weeks, my regular unemployment claim is officially exhausted. My last payment was $487 and now I'm completely out of options (still no job despite 15+ interviews). I've heard rumors that there might be ways to either extend benefits or possibly file a new claim even though my benefit year isn't over. Does anyone know if extension programs exist in 2025? Or is there some way to start a new claim if my employment situation has changed at all since my initial filing? I worked a temp job for 3 weeks back in February - could that help me qualify for something new? Getting desperate as rent is due next week and my savings are completely wiped out. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
26 comments


TommyKapitz
sorry to hear ur in this situation. the old pandemic extensions are long gone. most ppl have to wait till their benefit year ends b4 they can file again. that temp work prolly wont help unless u made like 1300+ in a quarter
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Louisa Ramirez
•Thanks for the response. So there's basically nothing I can do until my benefit year ends in September? That's 4 more months without income. Do you know if there are any hardship programs through EDD I could apply for?
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Angel Campbell
Extensions are unfortunately very limited now compared to during COVID. Here's what you need to know: 1. Regular UI benefits max out at 26 weeks in California 2. The Fed-Ed extension program is currently inactive 3. You generally can't file a new UI claim until your benefit year ends However, there are a few possibilities: - If your temp job in February was after you filed your original claim AND you earned enough wages, you might qualify for a new claim with a different weekly benefit amount - Check if you qualify for the Training Extension (TE) program if you're interested in approved career training - California Work Sharing program if you can find part-time work To explore these options, you really need to speak with an EDD representative directly. They can review your specific situation and advise on any programs you might qualify for.
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Louisa Ramirez
•Thank you for this detailed response. The temp job was definitely after I filed my original claim, but I only earned about $2,300 total from it. Is that enough to qualify for anything? And how exactly do I check eligibility for the Training Extension program?
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Payton Black
I WENT THROUGH THIS EXACT SAME THING IN JANUARY!!!! The EDD system is completely rigged against people who actually need help. I exhausted my benefits and was told I had to wait until my benefit year ended to file again. Then when I did file again, they said I didn't earn enough in my base period to qualify for a new claim!!!! Did anyone tell you about the complicated base period earnings requirements??? They don't make it obvious AT ALL. You need earnings in the right quarters before filing or you're screwed. The whole system is designed to deny benefits to as many people as possible. I'm still fighting with them over my new claim.
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Harold Oh
•This happened to me too! The base period thing is so confusing. I thought I had enough earnings but apparently they weren't in the right quarters or something? Had to move back in with my parents at 42 years old because of this garbage system.
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Amun-Ra Azra
You mentioned working a temp job for 3 weeks in February. The key question is whether that employment was already factored into your original claim calculation. If not, and if you earned sufficient wages, you might be eligible for what's called a "subsequent claim." To determine if you qualify: 1. You need earnings in at least one quarter of your base period 2. Total base period earnings must be at least $1,300 in your highest quarter 3. Your total base period earnings must be at least 1.25 times your highest quarter earnings To explore this option properly, you need to speak directly with an EDD representative. I know it can be frustrating trying to get through on the phone, but I discovered a service called Claimyr that helped me connect with an EDD agent quickly. I was skeptical at first, but it worked for me - got through in about 15 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km or check their site at claimyr.com. Worth looking into given your urgent situation.
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Summer Green
•is that service legit? seems sketchy to me. like how do they get u through when thousands of ppl cant get thru? makes no sense unless they got some inside connection or somethin
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Gael Robinson
Has your benefit year actually ended yet? That's the first thing to determine. If you've exhausted benefits but your benefit year is still active, then yes, options are limited. I'm guessing from your post that you still have months left in your benefit year. The $2,300 you earned from the temp job might qualify you for a new claim, but it depends on your base period. EDD uses a specific calculation method: - They look at the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file - They use the first 4 of those quarters as your base period - They need to see if you earned at least $1,300 in your highest quarter You might want to consider applying for CalFresh (food assistance) and check with your county's General Assistance/Relief program while you figure out the EDD situation. These won't replace unemployment but can help cover some basic needs in the meantime.
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Louisa Ramirez
•You're right - my benefit year doesn't end until September. I didn't realize the base period was calculated that way. So if I filed a new claim today, they would look at quarters from January-December 2024? That means my February temp work would count. I'll definitely look into CalFresh too - at this point any help would make a difference. Thank you!
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Harold Oh
just fyi when i was in your situation i ended up doing gig work until my benefit year ended. its not ideal but doordash and instacart kept me afloat for a few months until i could file a new claim. EDD doesnt care if people cant pay rent they just follow their stupid rules no matter what
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Louisa Ramirez
•That's a good idea. I've been hesitant to try the gig work route because of car insurance/maintenance costs, but at this point I probably don't have many other options. Did you have any issues filing a new claim after doing gig work?
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Angel Campbell
Regarding your question about the Training Extension (TE) program - this could be worth exploring. If you enroll in an EDD-approved training program, you might qualify for an extension of benefits. Here's how to check eligibility: 1. Log into UI Online 2. Select "Training Benefits" under the "More Services" menu 3. Complete the Training Benefits application Alternatively, you can submit a paper DE 8736 form by mail. The training must be approved by EDD, and typically includes programs that lead to careers in high-demand fields. This could give you both additional benefits and new career skills if you're approved. As for your $2,300 in earnings, it might be enough for a new claim depending on your overall base period earnings, but you need to speak with EDD directly to determine this. Your temp job earnings would be factored into a new base period calculation if you were to file now.
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Louisa Ramirez
•I just checked UI Online and I do see the Training Benefits option! I've been thinking about doing a medical coding certification program - that might qualify. I'll complete the application today and see what happens. Thank you so much for this detailed information!
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Summer Green
yo i tried that claimyr thing someone mentioned above when my account got flagged for verification and it actually worked. got thru to EDD in like 20 min when id been trying for days. they might be able to tell u if u qualify for anything with that temp job income
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Payton Black
•How much did that service cost? I'm so tired of trying to call EDD only to get disconnected before even being placed on hold. The whole system is a joke.
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Gael Robinson
Regarding training programs - the California Training Benefits (CTB) program is definitely worth looking into in your situation. Medical coding is often on the approved list since it's a high-demand field. If approved, you can receive benefits during training and potentially qualify for the Training Extension which provides up to 26 additional weeks of benefits. One important note: you must apply for CTB before your regular UI benefits are exhausted, but since you mentioned you just exhausted benefits today, you might still be within the window to apply. I'd recommend calling EDD directly to explain your situation and ask about training benefits eligibility given the timing. For anyone in a similar situation, always apply for training benefits before your regular UI runs out - it's much easier that way.
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Louisa Ramirez
•Oh no - I didn't realize I needed to apply before benefits were exhausted. My last payment was processed today, so I hope that still counts as being within the window. I'm filling out the application right now and will try to speak with someone at EDD tomorrow. Thank you for this crucial information!
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Luca Romano
I'm in a similar situation and found some helpful resources while navigating this mess. Here are a few additional options to consider: 1. **Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)** - If you live in an area that was declared a disaster zone recently, you might qualify for DUA benefits even if your regular UI is exhausted. Check FEMA's website for declared disaster areas in California. 2. **State Disability Insurance (SDI)** - If you have any health conditions (physical or mental) that limit your ability to work, you might qualify for SDI through EDD. The stress and depression from unemployment can sometimes qualify as a disabling condition. 3. **CalWORKs** - This is California's welfare program that provides cash assistance and job training. The income limits are pretty strict, but it's worth checking if you qualify. 4. **211 California** - Call 2-1-1 for local assistance programs. They can connect you with emergency rent assistance, food banks, and utility help programs in your specific area. The system really is stacked against us, but don't give up. I've seen people successfully get new claims approved with similar temp work earnings to yours. The key is getting through to an actual EDD representative who can review your specific case. Good luck!
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Avery Saint
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I had no idea about some of these programs. I'm definitely going to call 211 today - I need emergency rent assistance ASAP. The SDI option is interesting too since this whole situation has definitely affected my mental health. Do you know if there's a waiting period for SDI benefits or how long the application process typically takes?
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Giovanni Colombo
I'm really sorry you're going through this - the EDD system can be incredibly frustrating when you're already stressed about finances. Based on what you've shared, here are a few things that might help: Your $2,300 from the February temp job could potentially qualify you for a new claim if it puts you over the minimum earnings threshold in your base period. The calculation is complex, but it's definitely worth having EDD review your case. A few immediate steps I'd suggest: 1. Apply for CalFresh (food stamps) and any local emergency assistance programs while you sort out the EDD situation 2. Contact your local Community Action Agency - they often have emergency rent assistance funds 3. If you have any medical documentation related to stress/anxiety from unemployment, consider looking into State Disability Insurance (SDI) as a temporary bridge For getting through to EDD, try calling right at 8:00 AM when the lines open - that's usually when you have the best chance of getting through. Have all your documentation ready including pay stubs from that temp job. Don't lose hope - I've seen people in similar situations get approved for new claims or find other assistance programs. The system is confusing but there are options out there. Keep advocating for yourself and don't be afraid to escalate if the first representative you speak with can't help.
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Landon Morgan
•This is really comprehensive advice, thank you! I'm going to start with CalFresh and calling 211 first thing tomorrow morning since those seem like they could provide the quickest relief. The Community Action Agency suggestion is new to me - I'll look up the one in my area. And you're absolutely right about calling EDD at 8 AM sharp - I've been trying random times throughout the day which obviously isn't working. I really appreciate you taking the time to lay out such a clear action plan when I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed right now.
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Alicia Stern
I've been through this exact situation and wanted to share what worked for me. First, don't panic - there are still options even after exhaustion. Your February temp work might actually be more helpful than you think. When I was in a similar spot, I had earned about $2,800 from a short-term contract job after filing my original claim. EDD was able to establish a new claim based on those earnings, even though my benefit year hadn't ended yet. Here's what I learned: - The key is whether your temp earnings create a valid base period for a new claim - You need at least $1,300 in your highest earning quarter of the new base period - Your total base period earnings must be at least 1.25 times your highest quarter Call EDD and specifically ask them to review your case for a "subsequent valid claim" based on your February employment. Don't let them brush you off - this is a legitimate option that many representatives aren't familiar with. Also, while you're waiting, definitely apply for CalFresh and check with your county's General Relief program. Some counties have emergency assistance programs that can help with rent for people between benefit periods. The Training Extension program mentioned by others is solid too if you're interested in career training. I wish I had known about that option when I was going through this. Hang in there - the system is frustrating but there are paths forward!
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Carmen Ruiz
•Thank you so much for sharing your experience - this gives me a lot of hope! The term "subsequent valid claim" is exactly what I needed to know. I've been getting different answers from different sources, but having the specific terminology to use when I call EDD should help a lot. Your earnings from the contract job are pretty similar to mine, so if it worked for you, maybe there's a real chance for me too. I'm definitely going to call first thing Monday morning and ask specifically about a subsequent valid claim based on my February temp work. Did you have to provide any special documentation, or was it just a matter of getting the right representative who knew about this option?
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Mateo Perez
•@a395bec4f6e2 This is such valuable information! I'm definitely going to use that exact terminology when I call. Quick question - when you got your subsequent valid claim approved, did it affect your original benefit year end date at all? Like, did you get a completely new benefit year or did it still end on the original date? Also wondering if the weekly benefit amount changed based on the new earnings calculation. I'm trying to understand what to expect if this actually works out for me.
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Cassandra Moon
•@a395bec4f6e2 I had to provide my pay stubs from the temp job and they verified the employment through their usual process. The hardest part was getting a representative who actually understood what a subsequent valid claim was - I had to call three times before someone knew what I was talking about. To answer @8d84c90dd57a's question, yes you get a completely new benefit year starting from when you file the subsequent claim, and the weekly benefit amount is recalculated based on your new base period earnings. In my case it was actually slightly lower than my original claim because the temp work paid less than my previous job, but it was still worth it to have income again. Make sure to emphasize that the temp work was AFTER you filed your original claim - that's the key requirement they look for.
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